Bismarck weekly tribune., 1887-01-21
LEGISLATIVE GOSSIP.
A FEW REM

In its Sunday mornings gossip the Trib-
une published much that was not under
stood by the citizens of Bismarck who have
not been in constant attendance at the cap
itol. Its innuendo, unexplained references
to committees and illusions to the ''war''
were not as intelligible to the ordinary
reader as to the gentlemen who occupy
seats in the legislature and whose interests
and regulations are at stake. To the lat
ter class no explanation was necessary,
and the truth and accuracy of the Tribune's
enigmatical predictions were made mani
fest by the deadlock or unexpected explos-
ion that took place in the house yesterday
afternoon. No harm can be done now by
making few plain statements to give
those unable to attend daily sessions an
accurate conception of the status of
affairs. When MIR. Crosse was elected
speaker at the expense of the ambitious
E "A. Williams of Bismarck, j. II. Fletch-
er, Of Brown county, and John Hobart,
of Moody, he was supported by the latter
gentleman and his friends. 10 these he
made certain pledges, which, it is claimed,
he did not fulfil. Mr.. Hobart asserts
that Mr.. Crosse promised him
the craftsmanship of the committee
on railroads, and as is known, that position
went to Mr.. Stewart IF the Black Hills To
others of the same group it is claimed he
made promises which were not honored.
ready to take to the war path, as insinuat. d
in Sundays paper. Mr.. ROyer was prom
ised the craftsmanship Of the committee on
Insurance and was given second place, but
as he is very polite and courteous gentle
| man he has said very little to lead to the
conclusion that he had Joined the bolt
against the combination which gained con-
troll of the house. There are several other
gentlemen who allege that Speaker Crosse
did not keep his promises, but the speaker
denies the allegation.
THE GRAND BIENNIAL CIRCUS
was opened yesterday afternoon, when on
motion to reconsider the vote by which
the committee of the whole adopted the re-
port of the committee on rules Mr.. Williams
! demanded call of the house. The call
was supported by the necessary six seconds
and was ordered. At first the speaker OF
the house thought that the matter was OF
no great Importance and the roll being
called it was ascertained that Mr.. Ruggles
of Edmunds county was absent. The ser
geant-at-arms was ordered to search for Mr.
Ruggles and bring him into the house. He
searched, his assistant searched, his second
assistant searched and his fifteen
deputized assistants searched for the pop
ular athlete of Edmunds county, but in
vain. Mr.. Ruggles is an enterprising and
Wide-aWake gentleman, and knowing thai
there would not be much business trans
i acted during the afternoon, he sought Sc
cluded nook where he would not be dis
turbed while answering letters from his
constituents. 1t is learned that he was
buried deep in his work of correspondence
all of the afternoon and evening, oblivious
4 OF the fact that an army of sergeants- at
arms, and with arms, were in search.
b MIR. Elliott, the polite and genial gentle
man from Ransom, left on Saturday tt
make final proof on his claim. and it is be
lieved that he will return to-day in time tx
see the combination broken.
4 WHAT 1T MEANS.
The meaning of the "dead-locl:" in tn,
shape of call of the house, which put
stop to business yesterday, is that tn,
members who assisted in electing Speaker
Crosse, but who were crowded away from
the important committees by the gentle
men who held the ear OF the speaker. ar,
now prepared to fight for their rights ant
kick the lOrdly combination into atoms
The result OF the Legislative explosion
which took place yesterday afternoon can
not be accurately predicted. but you neeC
not be surprised II North Dakota and tha